Application of micro capillary blood sampling in an anti-doping setting.

Blood collection is an important facet of anti-doping testing, forming the basis of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP). Traditional blood collection via venipuncture can be uncomfortable for athletes, especially those who are tested frequently or close to competition. Athletes may also have negative perceptions of venipuncture due to past experiences or the risks of adverse health events such as bruising, hematomas, syncope, and general discomfort that has the potential to affect performance.

Detection of boldenone in the urine of female horses-ex vivo formation versus administration.

Boldenone is an anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) that is prohibited in equine sports. However, in certain situations, it is endogenous, potentially formed by the microbes in urine. An approach to the differentiation based on the detection of the biomarkers Δ1-progesterone, 20(S)-hydroxy-Δ1-progesterone and 20(S)-hydroxyprogesterone was assessed, and their concentrations were monitored in the urine of untreated female horses (n = 291) alongside boldenone, boldienone, testosterone and androstenedione.

Differentiation of boldenone administration from ex vivo transformation in the urine of castrated male horses.

Boldenone is an anabolic-androgenic steroid that is prohibited in equine sports. However, in certain situations, it is endogenous or is believed to be formed by microbes in urine, and therefore, an approach for the differentiation is required. Following the identification of Δ1-progesterone and 20(S)-hydroxy-Δ1-progesterone as potential biomarkers of microbial activity, the presence of six steroids was investigated in the postrace urine of castrated male horses (geldings, n = 158).

Pharmacokinetics of paracetamol in the Thoroughbred horse following an oral multi-dose administration.

Paracetamol is a widely used, non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic drug. Scientific evidence suggests that it is an effective pain treatment in equine medicine. However, there is very little published information about the pharmacokinetics of the drug in the horse.

Plasma and urine pharmacokinetics of hydroxyzine and cetirizine following repeated oral administrations to exercised horses.

Hydroxyzine and cetirizine are first- and second-generation oral antihistamine drugs, respectively, used to treat allergic reactions in horses. Cetirizine is also a metabolite of hydroxyzine, which may lead to complexities in regulating their use in equine sporting events. The aim of the research was to be able to provide detection times (DT) from pharmacokinetic studies in thoroughbred horses to better inform trainers, and their veterinary surgeons, prescribing these substances for treatment of Thoroughbred racehorses.

Equine metabolism of the selective androgen receptor modulator AC-262536 in vitro and in urine, plasma and hair following oral administration.

AC-262536 is one of a number of selective androgen receptor modulators that are being developed by the pharmaceutical industry for treatment of a range of clinical conditions including androgen replacement therapy. Though not available therapeutically, selective androgen receptor modulators are widely available to purchase online as (illegal) supplement products. The growth- and bone-promoting effects, along with fewer associated negative side effects compared with anabolic-androgenic steroids, make these compounds a significant threat with regard to doping control in sport.

Investigation of the metabolism of the selective androgen receptor modulator LGD-4033 in equine urine, plasma and hair following oral administration.

LGD-4033 is one of a number of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) that are being developed by the pharmaceutical industry to provide the therapeutic benefits of anabolic androgenic steroids, without the less desirable side effects. Though not available therapeutically, SARMs are available for purchase online as supplement products. The potential for performance enhancing effects associated with these products makes them a significant concern with regards to doping control in sports.

Bioformation of boldenone and related precursors/metabolites in equine feces and urine, with relevance to doping control.

Boldenone (1-dehydrotestosterone) is an exogenous anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) but is also known to be endogenous in the entire male horse and potentially formed by microbes in voided urine, the gastrointestinal tract, or feed resulting in its detection in urine samples. In this study, equine fecal and urine samples were incubated in the presence of selected stable isotope labeled AAS precursors to investigate whether microbial activity could result in 1-dehydrogenation, in particular the formation of boldenone. Fecal matter was initially selected for investigation because of its high microbial activity, which could help to identify potential 1-dehydrogenated biomarkers that might also be present in low quantities in urine.